Sevoflurane & Neurocognition Study (SENS)

STUDY BASICS

Are you a healthy adult 18-59 years old? You may be eligible for a research study to better understand the inhalational anesthetic sevoflurane prevents memory formation and affects of the experience of pain. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

This is an experimental study in healthy volunteers in which sevoflurane will be administered, while performing a memory task and periodically receiving painful stimulation while in an MRI scanner. Brain activity recorded during this experiment will help better understand what factors allow or prevent memories to be formed in people receiving this inhalational anesthetic and experiencing pain. Knowing this may improve the ability to control pain and prevent unpleasant memories during medical procedures.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Are 18-59 years old
• Are not pregnant
• Have never had a reaction to ondansetron (Zofran) or sevoflurane
• Do not have sleep apnea
• Do not have chronic pain or other pain disorder
• Do not regularly take medicine for pain or sleep
• Do not take anti-depressants (including SSRIs)
• Are not a current smoker
• Are able to undergo MRI (no metal or implants)
• Do not regularly use marijuana (prescription or recreational)
• Have no history of street drug abuse

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

After undergoing a brief screening process, most experimental procedures will take place in an MRI scanner (day 1) and then a subject testing room (day 2). During day 1, this study uses low doses of the inhalation anesthetic, Sevoflurane and you will experience periodic painful electric shocks, at a level you set in advance. Monitoring of your brain waves with a special cap worn on the head may be used. A small group of participants will undergo day 1 procedures in a clinical area outside the MRI scanner. This will allow the investigators to directly and closely see the effects of the medication at the doses to be used. Day 1 procedures will take several hours and will be scheduled in the morning. You will not be able to eat beforehand and cannot drive afterwards. You will return for the second study visit the next day, which will be approximately one hour long and consist of memory testing.